Since I started this Handyman malarky and opened a business account with the
bank, I've always had a small overdraft - a few hundred quid, just to cover
the ridiculous time taken to clear a cheque when its paid in. In practice
it can be 5 days. Rarely used, but handy to have.

Every year they ring to ask if I want to renew it, but after the two year
'honeymoon' period they wanted a £200 arrangement fee! The answer comprised
of two words, the second one being 'off'. Typical bank, £200 to arrange
something that costs nowt. They then suggested a business credit card.
Again the second word of the answer was 'off'.

Recently had my business debit card refused for a £6 transaction when there
was loadsa money in the account, but uncleared. Rang my 'business manager'
who instantly agreed to renew the overdraft completely free of charge -
amazing what the threat of changing banks can achieve innit?

Interestingly he agreed to renew the facility until 'January 2010'. When I
asked why, he said that changes to the banking system from that date would
mean that cheques would be cleared so much faster that I wouldn't need the
overdraft facility.

I've Googled for more info & can't find any. Anyone know what these changes
are?


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk